Thursday, November 6, 2014

The passing of a champion

One of the true champions in our city passed away yesterday.
He was one of our grand old men, a second world war vet, one of Canada's top marksmen and a staunch, unwavering man of faith.
Ralph Cathline had the aptly chosen middle name of "Bright" and bright he was, almost to the day he died at 98 years young.
He would regale us with tales of his days in the Canadian army where he served as an armourer. Not only was he the best in his profession but he was also his country's leading marksman. He competed in the Royal Bisley range championship in England and also in many contests in the States. Here he set a record for the number of bulls eyes scored at the Fort Benning contest and carried the prestigious 800 yard trophy back to Canada.
More importantly he had an eagle eye for the invisible world of the Spirit and held an unclouded vision of Christ in his heart.
I always loved to be in Ralph's company, a true warrior of the faith who left you feeling better after a cup of tea and sent you home with some of his own zest for life.
Well, Ralph, you have been called home yourself and, if there be tea in Heaven, I shall look forward to  sharing another cup soon.

Jubilate.

Ian

Sunday, November 2, 2014

40 Years ago. THE RUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE.


Forty years ago this weekend the world witnessed an astonishing sport's event in Kinshasa, Zaire.
It was the much heralded heavyweight boxing championship bout between prize fighters George Foreman and Mohammed Ali.
Each received an equal division of the 10 million dollar purse..... an astronomical amount of money back then.
We know the outcome of this historic contest:  a knockout for Ali in the eighth round. 
"Bomba-Ali" became an adored figure among the Africans and became known as "I am the Greatest" to the rest of the world.

What is a lesser known script in this story, was the conversion of George Foreman whilst alone in his dressing room after his epic battle in the ring with Ali.
In an account given at a later date, he said that he felt the Presence of the Lord fill the locker room and heard the voice of God calling him to higher things.
It was not the promotion of the George Foreman meat grill (for which he has made far more money than prize fighting) but as a preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that the call of God came to his life.
From a menacing, sullen figure, George Foreman is now known as 'gentle George' , amiable and happy , the man who swapped his boxing gloves for a Bible and who has told us how to cook the best steaks in the world.

Jubilate.

Ian